National Briefing | South: Florida: Freedom For 6 Cubans

Published: November 30, 2002

Immigration officials freed six Cubans found in a stranded boat, including a 14-year-old boy the authorities say is a material witness in the case of two accused smugglers. The Cubans were found on Monday after the boat ran out of fuel off Key West. After the Coast Guard towed the boat to shore, the adults scampered onto a dock while the boy remained on board. Under government policy, Cubans who make it to shore are generally allowed to stay in the United States. The boy was not sent back because he is considered a witness in the smuggling case.